Roseville woman gets 90 days in jail, 2 years probation for accident that claimed life of motorcycle rider

Brian Cuker hopes the relatively stiff sentence given to a young woman who caused the death of his step-son-in-law will send a message to other youngsters who take the wheel.

"We have to get the story out to young drivers that they have to pay attention," Cuker told The Macomb Daily. "I don't know what distracted her. I know she didn't to it on purpose."

Stephanie Lauber, 21, of Roseville, was ordered to spend the first 90 days of two years probation in the Macomb County Jail after pleading no contest to committing a moving violation causing death, a misdemeanor, for the July 30 death of David Myers, 36.

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Lauber at 9:50 p.m. drove her 2003 Grand Prix past a stop sign at the Gratiot Avenue crossover at Connecticut Street, north of 12 Mile Road, in front of Myers' 1979 Harley Davidson, which struck the car broadside, according to a lawsuit filed in the case. Myers, who was not wearing a helmet, was thrown 15 feet and landed on his head. He was removed from life support two days after the crash.

Cuker said he and other family members initially "felt sorry" for Lauber. But their sympathy evaporated after they learned her driving record.

Lauber at the time of the crash was on a restricted drivers license due to point accumulation. She had two prior accidents, resulting in three tickets, and two additional tickets within two years. Four of the five tickets were issued in Gaylord and one was issued in Royal Oak.

Cuker said her record shows a blatant disregard for rules of the road, and the incident displays the potential tragic consequences. He said he hopes she is never able to drive again. Lauber's drivers license has been suspended until at least Dec. 2, 2014, according to the Michigan Secretary of State's office.

Lauber said she did not see the oncoming motorcycle and may not have come to a complete stop, police said.

Cuker speculated that she was in a hurry to arrive home before her 10 p.m. curfew for the restricted license.

She did not make a statement at her sentencing, Cuker said. He said he would like to have heard an apology.

Cuker said the incident still impacts Myers' family. Myers and his wife, Shannon, would have celebrated his third wedding anniversary two days after the crash.

Cuker, who lives 200 yards from the crash site, is reminded of the tragedy every day. Part of a memorial as well as crash investigators' pavement drawings remain at the scene, he said.

Judge Cathleen Steenland also ordered Lauber to pay $1,075 in fines and costs and restitution to be determined.

The negligence lawsuit filed by Myers' estate represented by his wife in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mount Clemens was settled for an undisclosed amount.